Cavan PPN Structure
Flat Structure PPN
The PPN is a flat structure. This means that all groups in the PPN have an equal voice and an equal input into decision making. There is no leader, no overall spokesperson or chairperson. It is truly a collective, accommodating a wide range of diverse views and perspectives. It supports each member to develop new skills and contribute in an equal way to the organisation.
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The main decision making body of the PPN is the Plenary (i.e. all the independent member groups) which should meet at least twice every year to review the workings of the PPN and set the agenda for the coming period. The elected Secretariat is responsible for the administration of the PPN between Plenary meetings. Subsets of the PPN such as Linkage Groups also inform the process.
This is a new way of working which differs from a traditional hierarchical structure and is undoubtedly challenging. However, there is much evidence around the country of it operating well.
The Plenary
The Plenary (all the member organisations together) is the key decision maker of the PPN, meeting at least twice a year. Their role is to direct the operation of the PPN, setting overall PPN policy and processes. Decisions made between Plenary meetings, including the election of representatives, should be presented for ratification to the following meeting. Each independent member group has one vote in the Plenary.
Plenary meetings are an ideal forum for member groups to meet and network and to hear about matters of interest to them. The Plenary is also charged with developing a wellbeing statement for this and future generations in the area. The Plenary usually meets in May and November.
Representation
PPN Representatives
PPN Representatives are members of the PPN who are elected to represent the issues of PPN members on a particular Board or Committee. A PPN Representative does not represent the group they are a member of, they represent the PPN and are guided by their linkage group. Find out more about the PPN Reps he
Linkage Groups & Consultations
Linkage Groups and Consultations are the way that PPN member organisations can have a real input into policy in their area of operation. Linkage Groups bring together stakeholder organisations with a common interest to discuss their diverse views and interests in a specific policy area. Find out more about the Linkage Groups and Consultations here.
Cavan Belturbet MD
This MD is spread from the centre of the county to the far northwest and takes in the towns of Cavan, Belturbet, Ballyconnel, Bawnboy, Killeshandra, Dowra and Blacklion.
It has a rich tourism industry in the killykeen Lakeland, Cavan burren and Cuilcagh areas.
The main economic focus is in Cavan Town but despite the rise in population here, there are more community groups in rural than in urban areas of the county.
Ballyjamesduff MD
The MD has been referred to both as ‘South Cavan’ and the Agricultural Zone of the county. It spreads from Arva and Lough Gowna in the west to incorporate Ballinagh, Ballyjamesduff and Virginia until reaching Mullagh in the east.
It also has the highest level of commuter population in Cavan. This contains the highest number of community groups in County Cavan and the greatest frequency of community project activity.
Ballyjamesduff and Virginia are the two largest towns in this region.
Bailieborough-Cootehill MD
The smaller of the 3 MDs, the Bailieborough Cootehill area stretches from Redhills and Ballyhaise in the west to Bailieborough and Kingscourt in the east with Shercock and Cootehill along its northern fringe.
This MD has the lowest number of
registered community groups, mainly focused in or around the towns of Kingscourt, Baiilieborough and Cootehill. The MD has seen significant drop off in community groups since it was reregistered in 2016.
